@galileogirl: I think you’re right. I don’t know most people’s birthdays unless I’ve known them for a long time. If the b-day person or the SO of the b-day person invites me to a party I try to remember to write it down for the next year. But if no one tells me, I don’t know.
@Kay: “Do something to treat yourself” is great advice. It can be big or small, but just something to commemorate the day is good. Start by giving yourself time to think about what would make the day special for you. Often for me it’s not a thing I get myself but something I take the day to do. You can take a ride out to one of your favorite views or take yourself to lunch or go for a long walk or bike ride. Or you can invite a friend along to movie and beer.
Part of what’s happening is that around 25 or so, a lot of people start celebrating smaller or only really do the day up big for the milestone birthdays (30, 35, 40, 50,...). And part of the issue is that not everyone wants the same sorts of things that they did when they were younger. So, even if people know your birthday, they don’t know if you want a party or not. They may not know what to get you anymore or if you want it to be just any ordinary day. There are a whole host of reasons that may play a part in your family not doing anything for it. I’d say to talk with them about it and be willing to try to cut them a little slack.
Have a Happy Birthday, Kay.
@Triozoo: You do, in fact, rock. :^>